Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Milwaukee, WI (2023 Update)
- West Milwaukee Solar Installation Cost: $12,497
- 25-Year Savings: $28,276
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Milwaukee
We go over average solar pricing in West Milwaukee.
The average cost of solar panels in West Milwaukee is 2.6 per watt. The average West Milwaukee homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,503 with the federal tax credit, or $17,879 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in West Milwaukee see about $23,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in West Milwaukee, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Milwaukee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,361 |
| 3 years | $-12,089 |
| 5 years | $-11,818 |
| 7 years | $-11,546 |
| 9 years | $-11,274 |
| 11 years | $-11,002 |
| 13 years | $-10,730 |
| 15 years | $-10,459 |
| 17 years | $-10,187 |
| 19 years | $-9,915 |
| 21 years | $-9,643 |
| 23 years | $-9,371 |
| 25 years | $-9,099 |
Top Solar Installers in West Milwaukee
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar installer in West Milwaukee, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in West Milwaukee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Milwaukee
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in West Milwaukee: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in West Milwaukee is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in West Milwaukee are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.70 | $11,357 | $24,270 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $32,652 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $41,179 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $49,851 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $58,669 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $67,633 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $76,743 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $85,998 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's West Milwaukee, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Milwaukee?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in West Milwaukee?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in West Milwaukee?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in West Milwaukee?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.